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Trade union activism has set off a domino effect against bogus self-employment in the gig economy. A swift legislative response to the Taylor review is now required to effect wholesale change that produces strong upward pressure on wages. A crucial test here will be to extend the protection of the national minimum wage to those who are wrongly labelled “self-employed”.

POLICE squads across Merseyside have stepped up their efforts in recent months to prevent the theft of motorbikes by thugs who then use them to wreak havoc on our streets. Yet in Wirral the problem remains very much alive and kicking – half a dozen incidents have been taken up by my office in the past couple of months alone.

The pensioner’s family were so dismayed by his experience they brought it to the attention of Birkenhead MP Frank Field. Mr Field immediately took up the case with hospital trust chief executive David Allison, demanding answers and assurances that everything possible is being done to prevent any repeat.

Frank Field, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, and Rachel Reeves, the new Chair of the Business Committee, have asked Matthew Taylor to give oral evidence to a joint meeting of the Committees. The Chairs intend to question Mr Taylor on his recent report on modern working practices, including how the Government should act to ensure rights and fair pay for gig economy workers.

The programme – covering Rock Ferry, Tranmere, Prenton, and the North End of Birkenhead – aims to ensure that children who might otherwise go without food and activities during the holidays are able to eat a decent meal each day and take part in games, arts, crafts, and sports.